sports
Blackhawks sign defenseman Bowen Byram to six-year, $75 million extension
The Chicago Blackhawks are signing defenseman Bowen Byram to a six-year, $75 million contract extension, sources told ESPN. The deal carries a $12.5 million average annual value beginning in the 2027-28 season.
winnipegfreepress.comAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
The Chicago Blackhawks are signing defenseman Bowen Byram to a six-year, $75 million contract extension, sources told ESPN. The $12.5 million average annual value would make Byram the highest-paid defenseman in the league once the contract begins in the 2027-28 season.
Contract details Byram is finishing a two-year deal signed with the Buffalo Sabres in 2025 that paid him $6.25 million per season. He recorded 11 goals and a career-high 42 points for Buffalo last season. The Sabres won the Atlantic Division title and reached the playoffs for the first time since 2011.
Background and trade Byram told the Sabres he wanted an opportunity to play as a top-pair defenseman, which preceded a trade completed before last week's NHL draft. The Blackhawks acquired Byram and forward Jordan Greenway from Buffalo in exchange for the No.
45 pick and defenseman Louis Crevier. Byram was selected fourth overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2019 NHL draft and won a Stanley Cup with that team.
Next steps The Blackhawks have finished near the bottom of the standings in recent seasons during a rebuild. The team is also expected to negotiate a new contract for center Connor Bedard this offseason.
